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CJ Perry (fka Lana) delivered a candid 1+ hour interview with Chris Van Vliet, launching her "Identity Crisis" podcast (episodes every Monday, strong debut performance), reflecting on her WWE/AEW career, 2021 WWE release shock, AEW exit, Miro (Rusev) divorce papers drama and reconciliation, WWE Legends deal signed alongside Miro's WWE return contract, mental health journey overcoming ADHD/anxiety/depression via sobriety, therapy, nature, and wellness, missing WWE crowd boos as ultimate adrenaline, readiness for storylines like "Lana waiting for ex-husband Rusev," and much more from her ballerina/model origins to Hollywood pursuits.
Podcast Launch & Inspirations
Perry studied top podcasts like Van Vliet's for 1.5-2 years, filming pilots before launching "Identity Crisis" (10 episodes edited ahead). Emphasized listening over talking (Larry King quote: "I never learned anything while I was talking"), surprised by high performance/reviews. Guests include Miro (her "ex-husband" per Lana gimmick); speaks Bulgarian, Latvian, Russian, English (Lana "speaks six languages").Mental Health Crisis & Recovery Post-Releases
2021 WWE release (while on TV with great Vince/Bruce relations) devastated her, triggering manic ADHD/anxiety spiral (higher divorce/depression/suicide rates in ADHD). AEW release + Miro's birthday divorce papers (after on-off year, multiple near-divorces) left her bedridden 2 weeks. Triggers: WWE's stimulation/dopamine high ended abruptly; turned to Miro for happiness (mutual issue). Recovery (2023+): Jay Shetty podcast inspired sun walks (30min daily), therapy, acupuncture, organic food/vitamins, sobriety, off ADHD meds (despite dyslexia/reading challenges), nature (beach/hiking boosts serotonin), grandfather's final months fostering gratitude/service. Natalya packed her WWE gear with gifts/flowers; friends like Liv Morgan, Alexa Bliss, Aaliyah, Daria, Mandy supported. Now happier, reconciled with Miro (90% performer divorce rate avoided via growth/space).WWE Legends Deal & Miro/Rusev's WWE Return
Signed Legends deal (merch, appearances, storylines) same time as Miro's full-time WWE contract (April 2025 per reports); allows WWE likeness use (6 WWE 2K games: 2K15-2K22). Miro craved weekly TV wrestling over AEW pay, loves WWE villain storytelling/"super athlete" role; unhappy in AEW without regular work. Perry misses 20k boos ("greatest adrenaline rush"); open to comeback ("always ready," timing/story dependent). Jokes "Lana waiting for first ex-husband Rusev" (in Russia); could appear despite retirement confirmation (Nov 2025 Sonya Deville podcast).Career Origins: Model/Ballerina to WWE
FSU Cowgirls fame (with Jen Sterger) led to top-downloaded college screensaver/calendar (bikinis/beach); WWE recruited at 22 (Miami tryout). Worldwide Divas Search 2012 (with JoJo, Alexa Bliss, Eva Marie); Russian breakdancing impressed Triple H. NXT promo class with Dusty Rhodes: pitched 5 characters/storyboards weekly (GLOW-inspired); Rusev/Lana evolved from comedy (him unbrainwashing Americanized Russian her) to serious Rocky IV/Ivan Drago influence (Russian suit/bun). Protected accent (radio/red carpets in character); lived gimmick for heat.Iconic Segments: Rock, Cena, Nia Jax
- Rock (2014 Brooklyn): Surprise bus meeting; learned crowd timing (hand cues for "Rocky" chants peak); adlibbed "street walkers," Wisconsin wheelbarrow, flexible wife (inspired Miro's "hot flexible wife").
- Cena: Called spots for "We Want Lana" pops; ref kickout flopped, switched to Rusev ejecting her (Extreme Rules babyface turn).
- Nia Jax: Hilarious "My hole!" announcer table spots; Perry kept straight face amid awful fan chants.
- Joe Hendry: Funny Rusev lawyer segment.
- Romance Storylines & Bobby Lashley Wedding
- Multiple angles: Original Liv Morgan plan detailed; others unnamed. Bobby Lashley wedding highlighted (MVP "protecting" kind-but-powerful Lashley). Loved improv/comedy stirring pot as "menace"; straight-face selling made fans want her "ass whooped."